What is an Environmental Justice Issue Complaint:
The Vermont Public Utility Commission defines an environmental justice issue complaint as:
A complaint alleging that an individual or individuals, because of their race, color, income class, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity or ancestry, religious belief, or English language proficiency level, were not afforded equitable access to and distribution of environmental benefits; equitable distribution of environmental burdens; or fair and equitable treatment and meaningful participation in decision-making processes, including the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
"Environmental justice", "environmental benefits", "environmental burdens", "limited English proficiency", and "meaningful participation" are defined in Act 154 of 2022.
How to file an Environmental Justice Issue Complaint
Individuals who wish to file an environmental justice complaint with the Commission may do so by:
- emailing the Clerk of the Commission at PUC.Clerk@vemont.gov, or
- mailing the Clerk of the Commission at:
Clerk of the Commission, ATTN: EJI Complaint
Vermont Public Utility Commission
112 State St., 4th floor
Montpelier, VT 05620
Complaints should specify, with as much detail as possible, the alleged discrimination, and must include contact information for the complainant.
All complaints will be acknowledged and reviewed by Commission staff to recommend to the Commission what, if any, action should be taken to address or investigate the complaints.
Background
Act 154 of 2022, commonly referred to as Vermont's Environmental Justice law, requires certain state agencies, including the Commission, to report annually to the Environmental Justice Advisory Council regarding all complaints alleging environmental justice issues and any action taken to resolve the complaints.
Further details and background about the Environmental Justice law are available on the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' website.